Black Ancestry | Tracing Ancestors Back to the 1880s

Paul Crooks stands out among Black History Month speakers with his engaging discussions on topics related to the Black experience.

Through his groundbreaking research into Black ancestry, Paul uses his own journey as a case study to:

• Trace his family's history back to the 1880s,
• Discuss specific records and materials that are pertinent to Black genealogical research,
• Share his methodical step-by-step approach to uncovering ancestral records,
• Explain common challenges encountered in this research and strategies for overcoming them.

Who is this talk for?

This talk is designed for anyone motivated by learning about the inspirational figures and historical events that shape our present. Stories of ancestors who resisted racial injustice can ignite the imagination and spur individuals to achieve greater heights in their personal and professional lives.

The talk is particularly suitable if:

• You are new to exploring family history.
• You have some experience in genealogy and are looking for additional resources.
• You've started your search but are encountering obstacles in furthering your research.

Receive discounted access to one-on-one advice on tracing your African ancestry with Paul Crooks, a Genealogy Specialist. More details will be available upon completing your registration for this event. Trailer video:

How to gain access to this event

This talk will be held over Zoom. Details of how to join the session will be in your registration confirmation email.

Plus Ticket: Along with event access, Plus Ticket holders will receive a digital copy of the 'Africans, Irish, and the Music of the Caribbean' eBook, delivered via email after the-event.

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Premium Ticket: Premium access includes all Plus offerings, plus a digital copy of Paul Crooks' latest novel 'Descendants,' sent to you electronically after the event.

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Deluxe Ticket: Deluxe attendees enjoy all Premium benefits, with the added bonus of the 'DNA Testing Demystified: Separating Fact from Fiction in Genealogy' eBook to deepen your understanding of genealogy sent to you electronically after the event.

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About the speaker

Trailblazing family historian Paul Crooks pioneered research into Black genealogy during the 1990s. He traced his family history from London, back 6 generations, to ancestors enslaved on a sugar plantation in North America.

Paul was told that it would be impossible to trace records of slave-ownership let alone his Ancestors enslaved on plantations in North America. “No one had tried because such records did not exist.” Undeterred, he embarked on a journey of discovery that led from suburban North London to North America and ultimately back to the Gold Coast.

His books, Ancestors and A Tree Without Roots - The Guide To Tracing British, African and Asian Caribbean Ancestry brought him international recognition for his breakthrough research into Black genealogy.

Paul is credited with inspiring an upsurge in interest in Black and British ancestry. He is also recognised for having spawned an industry in African Caribbean genealogy.

Host or Publisher ANCESTRY TALKS WITH PAUL CROOKS